WCEDC Staff

Warren County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) is naturally set with a talented and professional team.  Each professional brings unique qualities and strengths to the team.  The team implements the Roadmap to Success Sales & Marketing Plan approved by the WCEDC Board of Directors.

Jason White Executive Director Phone: (515) 961-1067 Email: jwhite@wcedc.com Jason White is an economic development veteran with over ten years of professional experience. White's current role is as Executive Director of the Warren County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC), which he started in April 2011. White has led WCEDC and Warren County to adopt many changes in the countywide economic development structure over the last 18 months. Much of this effort relates to the restructuring and realigning of the organization's staff, mission, public outreach, and plan of work. Under White's leadership, WCEDC has undertaken the largest economic development initiative in Warren County's history. This program is called GroWARRENow, a multi-million dollar public/private partnership for growing the larger area's economy. WCEDC works to grow businesses and increase jobs in Warren County and administers the Warren County Leadership Institute. White has held other economic development positions in Iowa. From 2006-2011, White held the position of Executive Director for the Midwest Partnership Development Corporation, a four-county economic development group in west central Iowa. In addition to helping facilitate a number of companies with expansions in the region, White led the organization through a re-branding initiative and improved the group's financial condition. Midwest Partnership was the first 2011 recipient of the coveted "Silver Shovel" recognition, an honor given by Iowa Area Development Group to an outstanding statewide economic development partner. White also previously served as Executive Director of the Appanoose Economic Development Corporation in south central Iowa. The Ottumwa Courier featured White as one of several “Agents of Change” in the southern Iowa region. Additionally, before leading economic development organizations, White held political positions in the Iowa House of Representatives, Iowa Senate, and served as a campaign consultant. White also worked as a redevelopment specialist for the City of Coralville while attending graduate school. White received his B.A. from Loras College and M.A. from the University of Iowa. White has completed the Heartland Economic Development Course, is a graduate from the Economic Development Institute, and achieved Project Coordinator status with Business Retention & Expansion International. White remains actively involved in not only promoting community and economic development projects in Warren County, but also participate with groups such as the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Professional Developers of Iowa (is a past president), Mid-America Economic Development Council, International Economic Development Council, and Central Iowa Tourism.

Hollie Askey Director of Operations Phone: (515) 961-1067 Email: haskey@wcedc.com Hollie Askey is WCEDC's Director of Operations. A native of Red Oak, Iowa, Hollie went to school in Omaha, NE to become a nutritionist and certified personal trainer. She worked for World Gym in Omaha as a fitness trainer and membership sales associate. Askey later decided to pursue the path of management and utilize her nutrition education by managing LA Weight Loss Centers in Omaha and Council Bluffs. She transferred to an LA Weight Loss Center in Tampa, Florida, and shortly thereafter, was offered the position of Operations Manager at Bally Total Fitness. Askey then opened her own fitness center called Ashton Personal Fitness Center in Clearwater, Florida. During her six years as a business owner she also coached youth group cheerleading and dance teams, appeared in news television segments as the Bay News 9, Chief Meteorologists personal trainer, and even hosted her own fitness segments on Tampa Bay's “Fitness on Demand”. In 2008, Askey sold her business and moved back to the Midwest to be closer to her family. She took a position with the Montgomery County Family Y.M.C.A. in Red Oak as the Marketing Director. Askey created ad campaigns, marketing materials, membership specials, and designed the Y.M.C.A. website. She also wrote and delivered radio ads for the Y.M.C.A., coached cheer and dance, and organized and participated in many fundraiser and charity events. Most recently, she served as a Loan Specialist with the USDA Rural Development agency, working with rural communities on projects to improve infrastructure, public safety, health care and education.

Rachel Gocken Administrative & Communications Coordinator Phone: (515) 961-1067 Email: rgocken@wcedc.com Rachel Gocken is the organization's Administrative & Communications Coordinator. Rachel was born and raised in Indianola and graduated from Indianola High School in the class of 2002. Rachel also graduated from DMACC in Ankeny, IA with an Associate in Arts Degree in 2005. In 2007, Rachel began working for the Indianola Chamber of Commerce where she assisted with facilitating business programs for Indianola area business as well as planning community events. Rachel gained excellent experience in this position and enjoyed working with the Indianola business community and volunteers. Rachel is currently attending Simpson College where she will receive her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with friends & family. Rachel lives in Indianola with her husband Kurt their four children; Chloe, Reyna, Ella & Gage.